Good News for Coffee Drinkers

The attitude toward coffee and its effects on health have been debated since its introduction into mainstream society. Recent research has shown however, that coffee may have significant health benefits.

It has been suggested that coffee’s negative reputation comes from the lack of control for confounding variables in previous studies. For example, most studies did not take into account that individuals most likely to drink copious amounts of coffee also tend to make other unhealthy choices in life, such as sleeping less, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Without controlling for such confounding variables, studies in the past have linked drinking coffee with such conditions as heart disease and cancer.

In an effort to better understand the effects of coffee on health, a systematic review and meta-analysis of research conducted between 1966 to July of 2009 was conducted to study the relationship between incidence of Type 2 diabetes and coffee and tea consumption by researchers at the University of Sydney’s George Institute. Published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine, an analysis of the available, relevant studies found that regularly drinking coffee was inversely associated with the risk of developing diabetes. In fact, the research suggested that drinking three to four cups* of coffee a day may reduce the chances of developing diabetes by roughly 25 percent, while the average tea drinker had a 20 percent lower risk.

With similar results for decaffeinated coffee, the study indicates that the health benefits of coffee are not attributed to caffeine. Further research needs to be conducted however, to identify and better understand the active components in coffee found to have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Do you know the annual cost of managing your diabetes? Would you like to find ways to reduce your costs? Calculate your total budget and identify ways to save money. You can do this in just a few minutes by entering facts about the products you use. This quick analysis will provide you with a comprehensive overview of both spending and potential savings.

Blood glucose monitors offer an easy way to test your blood sugar at home or on the go. Use this comparison tool as a guide to learn more about the features and benefits of your current monitor or to find a new one.

Ever wonder if you are at a healthy weight? Then enter your height and weight in our advanced Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. This tool provides you with two important numbers reflecting the estimated impact of your present body weight and shape upon your overall health.